int. Obs. and dial.; also 6– anon. The quot. from Udall and Shaks. show that this is the same word as ANON adv. orig. in response to a call = ‘In one moment; presently; coming!’; hence a waiter’s response to express that he was paying attention, or awaiting commands; thence a general mode of expressing that the auditor was at the speaker’s service, or begged him to say on; and in later use, a mode of expressing that the auditor has failed to catch the speaker’s words or meaning, but is now alert and asks him to repeat; = I beg your pardon! What did you say? Sir? Eh? (See the whole passage in 1 Hen. IV., II. iv. 1–126.]
a. 1553. Udall, Royster D., IV. iii. (1869), 65. C. What hough! come forth Trupenie! I. Anon! What is your will mistresse? dyd ye call me?
1596. Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., II. iv. 71. Poines. Francis! Fran. Anon, anon! Prince. ‘Anon, Francis? No, Francis: but to morrow Francis: or, Francis, on thursday: or, indeed, Francis, when thou wilt.
1728. Vanbrugh & Cibber, Provok’d Husb., I. i. 30. Man. A right English Academy for younger Children! J. Mood. Anon, Sir. [Not understanding him.]
1751. Smollett, Per. Pic. (1779), III. lxxxv. 322. A stare of infinite stolidity, accompanied with the word Anan!
1856. Lever, Martins of Cro’ M., 159. ‘Such little events are not unfrequent down here, then?’ ‘Anan!’ said she, not understanding his question.
1863. Whitby Gloss., s.v. Anon or Non? the enquiry ‘Sir?’ or ‘What do you say?’ to a question or remark not heard or understood.
